| |
|
NBA -- Kobe goes out with a bang, scores sweet 60
By Anthony Rozic PhilBoxing.com Fri, 15 Apr 2016

LOS ANGELES -- After 20 years in the NBA, his body aching and his once mighty skills declining, Kobe Bryant announced last November that this season would be his last.
But in his final game on Wednesday night at Staples Center, before a sold-out crowd paid an average of $700 for their seats, Kobe summoned his greatness one last time, ending his fabulous career with a 60-point performance that dazzled the Lakers faithful and the rest of the world.
Kobe, an 18-time All-Star who hung five championship banners during his remarkable reign as the face of the franchise, swished 22 of 50 field goals, 6-of-21 threes and 10 of 12 free throws. Bryant poured 23 points in a fourth quarter rampage that lifted the Lakers past the Utah Jazz, 101-96.
"I'ts hard to believe it happened this way. I'm still shocked about this," Bryant told reporters after the finale. He also addressed the fans who packed the Staples Center to bade him farewell.
"I think the most important part is that we all stayed together throughout. You'll always be in my heart and I sincerely, sincerely appreciate it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you guys," Bryant said.
Among the celebrities who witnessed "Mamba Day" included Jack Nicholson, Leonard DeCaprio, Jay Z, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Adam Levine and David Beckham. Magic Johnson started the tribute with a video montage that saw several of the NBA's biggest stars --- LeBron James, Stephen Curry, etc --- wishing Bryant well.
Bryant's fond farewell was easily the highlight of another disappointing season the Lakers finished with a poor 17-65 record and will miss the playoffs for the third year in a row, a franchise record.
The Jazz, who got 18 points from Trey Lyes 17 points from Gordon Hayward, will also miss the postseason with a 40-42. slate.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Anthony Rozic.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Chezka Centeno ready for world 10-ball title defense By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Breakout Moment in Brooklyn By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026GAB Must Look Into Exploitation of Rated Filipino Fighters in Japan By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026TITLE FIGHT ON: Zayas and "Boots" Ennis Hit the Scales for Brooklyn Super-Welterweight Showdown By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026USC's Galen Center confirmed as Martinez-Plantic, Lopez-Carrillo venue August 29, live on ProBoxTV , Sat, 27 Jun 2026July 4: Albert Bell Steps In to Challenge Abdullah Mason in All-Ohio WBO Lightweight World Title Showdown at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center LIVE on TNT and DAZN , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Zamboanga relinquishes her ONE Women’s title By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4 By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27 By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City , Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes , Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026IM Arca to see action in 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Shenzhen,China By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal! , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Gustavo Trujillo'S Remarkable Journey Continues as Reigning Bkb Heavyweight Champion Climbs the Pro Boxing Ranks , Wed, 24 Jun 2026AMER ABDALLAH APPOINTED ADVISOR TO THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN BOXING FEDERATION , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Youth Sports Sambo on June 25 By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|